Maternity wear is constantly evolving by improving its styling, adaptability, and comfort. Due to this evolution, an impressive crop of new-fangled, maternity-styled, problem-solving gizmos has found its way into the market. I like to call these gizmos “mother helpers”. Some of these helpers aid in smoothing and slimming the pregnant body, while others correct dressing and fit problems associated with pregnancy. Here are some of my favorite mother helpers along with the bump problems they solve.

Problem: Nothing to Wear

Mother Helper Solution: Magic Maternity Tube by Boob Design ($58, pictured)—It’s a skirt. It’s a dress. It’s a top. Actually, it’s all three and then some. Just one Magic Maternity Tube offers a variety of flattering looks that you change up according to your mood or occasion saving you time in the closet and money from your pocket book.

Mother Helper Solution: Popper Stoppers by Miss Oops ($10)—Other than being sort of unsightly, this kind of “third nipple” is also super sensitive to the touch. A Popper Stopper smooths down your belly nipple while it curbs discomfort and the stares.

Problem: Constricting Regular Fit Jeans

Mother Helper Solution: Belly Belt ($20)—Wear your favorite regular fit jeans a bit further into pregnancy with the Belly Belt. Better than an old school rubber band, this discreet mini belt attaches to your jeans’ fly button and buttonhole, extending their waistband by a few inches.

Problem: Rapid Boob Expansion

Mother Helper Solution: Bra extender ($2)—A bra extender attaches to the back hooks of your pre-pregnancy or maternity bra strap providing you more room to grow.

Problem: Rapid Rump Expansion

Mother Helper Solution: Marvelous Mama Ankle-Length Tights by ASSETS ($18)—These tights compress and slim in just the right places, like your hips, thighs, and rump, while leaving your bump a non-restrictive place to grow.

Mama may have warned you to stay away from posers but when you are a mama-to-be their draw is very appealing. The posers I am referring to are not creepy, self-involved dudes but rather maternity wear posers. Those regular-fit pieces in your closet that can “pose” as maternity wear. Roomy and/or stretchy pieces that will get you by until the moment you need the real deal: the maternity-fit. Here’s how to spot a poser in your closet.